Lateral Telecommunicator for Police

at CITY OF CARBONDALE in Carbondale, Illinois, United States

Job Description

Nature of Work: The Telecommunicator is a regular full-time or part-time, non-sworn position in the Police Department responsible for receiving telephone and in-person complaints and requests for police service from the public. In addition, the Telecommunicator dispatches all calls for police and fire services, transmits necessary information to police units, monitors and operates the department's computer systems, and monitors the security of the police facility. The Telecommunicator must be able to perform two or more functions simultaneously or in rapid succession. The Telecommunicator is supervised and evaluated by the shift supervisors and lead telecommunicator. Essential Duties: Receive all emergency phone calls and in-person complaints from the public. Refer non-emergency calls to appropriate service providers by phone, written message, or in-person referrals. Dispatch police and fire personnel, via appropriate radio, in response to calls for service and specific incidents requiring police and/or fire investigation. This involves assigning the proper number of units after obtaining critical information from the service requestor. Record all police activity in the Department's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, on proper forms in writing, and in the Records Management System (RMS). Complete required supplemental police reports. This activity is conducted concurrently with other Telecommunicator tasks. Maintain constant contact, by radio, with police and fire personnel in the field and remain alert for potential problems or threats to personnel safety. Maintain ongoing assessment of personnel availability through active listening to radio traffic, and by monitoring the computer-aided dispatch system. Receive alarm calls from various alarm companies and dispatch appropriate units to the alarm. This requires geographic familiarity with the city as well as constant monitoring of personnel availability. React quickly in contacting personnel at the source of the alarm to determine if the alarm is false or bona fide. Listen to and comprehend other radio frequencies such as fire, ambulance, I.S.P.E.R.N. (Illinois State Police Emergency Radio Network) other City Departments, and other law enforcement agencies. Monitor prisoner activity and the interaction between prisoners and police personnel in the lockup facility. Alert appropriate personnel to any problems in the lockup facility. Accurately and expeditiously type information using a computer, such as CAD entries, LEADS information, and inquiries. Effectively and efficiently use standard office equipment including network computers, telephone, copier, and fax machines. Conduct computer inquiries and make computer entries of stolen property, missing persons, etc., as necessary, and in accordance with standards of the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). Constantly monitor computer for receipt of messages regarding commission of crimes, wanted persons, stolen vehicles, etc., and relay that information to appropriate personnel in a timely manner. Receive and process emergency calls for other City departments when they are closed. Maintain a log of towed vehicles. Prepare and maintain house watch and extra patrol lists on a daily basis, and copy and distribute lists to Patrol personnel. Maintain computerized files as required. Respond to inquiries from the public regarding police-related services. Maintain Department recording equipment so telephone and radio traffic can be recorded and reviewed. Conduct prisoner weapons and contraband searches as requested by field personnel by conducting a physical pat-down of the outer clothing and by visual examination prior to processing and incarceration of persons arrested. Communicate effectively in writing and orally, both over the telephone and in-person; use logic, tact, and sound independent judgment; use strong and effective interpersonal skills in interacting with co-workers and the general public; work effectively both independently and as a team member. Demonstrate a professional demeanor and appearance. Ability to multi-task. Other Duties: Perform other assigned tasks related to telecommunications. Work Environment: Work is performed in an office setting. Physical Demands: Work is essentially sedentary with occasional walking, bending, lifting of objects under 25 pounds, or minimal physical activities. Work requires the ability to sit for extended periods of time, to operate personal computers and transmitters/receivers, and to perceive and/or discriminate colors, sounds, depth, and texture. The work of a telecommunicator can be mentally demanding and stressful. Minimum Acceptable Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent; satisfactory police background investigation and pre-employment drug screening test; City tests; valid Illinois Driver's License; L.E.A.D.S. and E.M.D. Certifications preferred; experience as a Telecommunicator/Dispatcher also preferred. Must be willing to work various shifts, including weekends and holidays. Must obtain LEADS certification from the State of Illinois and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications. Lateral applicants are required to already have LEADS certification from the State of Illinois and Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certifications. Special Requirements: All prospective, newly hired, and/or onboarding employees hired after the effective date of the City's COVID-19 Vaccination Policy (September 27, 2021) will be required to be fully vaccinated before their start date unless otherwise exempted from the Policy by an approved accommodation request. If a new employee has received a COVID-19 vaccination prior to their employment at the City of Carbondale, proof of vaccination must be provided to the Human Resources department. City Limit Residency Boundary Requirement: The City of Carbondale requires its employees in pay grades 1 to 7 to live within a nine-mile radius from the center of Carbondale. City employees in pay grades 8 and 9 must reside within Carbondale city limits. A residency nine-mile radius map (PDF) is accessible for viewing. To check a residence close to the boundaries of the radius, contact the Planning Division at (618) 457-3248.